Becoming a Nun
Becoming a nun is a journey with the Holy Spirit. It takes time and experience. The journey begins with the one discerning and the community getting to know each other. Initially this is accomplished through visits to Sancta Clara and discussions with the Abbess and Vocation Director. A woman attracted to our way of life should have a love of prayer, of Jesus in the Eucharist, and a willingness to live our Franciscan way of life.
Candidates for postulancy are required to be in good physical and psychological health. Postulancy lasts for one year. Upon entering novitiate, the woman is clothed in a religious dress and lives more deeply the communal life. The novitiate lasts for two years. It is followed by at least three years as a temporary professed nun before making solemn vows.
Initial Requirements
After your initial inquiry, we will send you information about our Order. If you find that you are attracted and wish to continue communication, you will be asked to fill out a "timeline" so that you can see how God has been working in your life up until now. You will also be asked to reflect on why you may be attracted to a life of Eucharistic Adoration and contemplative prayer. We will ask you to submit a recent photo as well.
Upon completing this first phase, you may be invited for a short visit to help you in your discernment. A more lengthy visit follows where we get to know each other on a more personal basis.
If a decision is made to enter our community, a psychological evaluation will help you and us to see where you are in relation to living in community.